Duolingo CEFR Level Test: What Level Are You, Really?
Your Duolingo app says “Level 7” — but what does that mean in the real world? Answer 18 questions in Spanish, French or German and this test estimates your CEFR level, from A1 to C2, then shows you what you can already do, what to practise next, and roughly where that level sits in your Duolingo course.
Choose your language
18 questions, around 5 minutes, no timer and no sign-up. Everything is worked out in your browser; your answers are never uploaded or stored.
How this test works
- Choose Spanish, French or German. The questions are written in the language you are testing, with the instructions in English so you always know what is being asked.
- Answer 18 staged questions. Three questions at each CEFR level, from A1 up to C2, mixing vocabulary, grammar and short reading passages. The questions get harder as the levels rise.
- Read your estimated level. Your level is the highest one you cleared — at least 2 out of 3 correct at that level and at every level below it. The result page also breaks down how you did at every level, so you can see exactly where the gaps are.
The CEFR levels, explained
CEFR — the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages — is the scale schools, employers and universities use to describe language ability, from A1 (complete beginner) to C2 (mastery).
| Level | Name | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner | Can introduce yourself, ask simple questions and understand slow, simple speech. |
| A2 | Elementary | Can handle routine tasks, describe family and work, and understand short everyday texts. |
| B1 | Intermediate | Can deal with most travel situations, describe experiences and give opinions. |
| B2 | Upper Intermediate | Can argue a point, follow complex texts and talk with native speakers without strain. |
| C1 | Advanced | Can use the language flexibly for work and study, and express ideas fluently and precisely. |
| C2 | Mastery | Can understand virtually everything and express yourself with near-native precision. |
A worked example: how the scoring decides your level
Take Sofia and the Spanish test. She answers 3 out of 3 correctly at A1, 3 out of 3 at A2, and 2 out of 3 at B1 — but only 1 out of 3 at B2. Her estimated level is B1: the highest level she cleared with at least 2 correct. Her result page shows the full breakdown, so she knows B2 grammar — the subjunctive and hypothetical sentences — is the next thing to work on.
Questions about the CEFR test, answered
Is this an official CEFR exam?
No — and it does not pretend to be. It is a short, honest estimate based on 18 questions. If you need a certified level for a job, a visa or a university, you will need an official exam such as DELE (Spanish), DELF/DALF (French) or a Goethe exam (German).
Why does Duolingo not tell me my CEFR level?
Because Duolingo measures progress through its own course structure — sections, units and levels — not through CEFR. The app never maps your place in the course to a CEFR level, which is the gap this test fills.
Which languages does the test cover?
Spanish, French and German — the three largest courses on Duolingo. Each language has its own 18-question set, written separately, so the questions test real knowledge of that language.
What if my result feels wrong?
Treat it as a starting point. If the questions felt far too easy or far too hard, retake the test — the per-level breakdown on your result page shows exactly where you scored well and where you did not.
How long does the test take?
Around 5 minutes for 18 questions. There is no timer, so take your time on the reading passages.
Are my answers sent anywhere?
No. The whole test runs in your own browser — nothing is uploaded, stored or shared with anyone.
Keep reading on DuolingoGuides
- Can You Get To C1 With Duolingo? →
- How Many Years Can You Get To C1 With Duolingo? →
- Is It Possible To Reach The C1 Level In German Through Duolingo? →
- How Long Does It Take To Learn A Language On Duolingo? →
- How Effective Is Duolingo In Learning A Language? →
- Is Duolingo Good For Learning French? →
- Is It A Good Idea To Start Learning German Using Duolingo? →
- Duolingo Jump Ahead: Skip Levels and Progress Faster →
DuolingoGuides is an independent guides site and is not connected to Duolingo. This test is an informal estimate, not an official CEFR exam — it cannot certify your level. The Duolingo section pointers are a rough guide, not an official mapping.